This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment MessageHi Alan, The Papps mute is a great tool if used the correct way, and you do not mind the attack sound that you get due to the plastic = resonating on the string. I could never get comfortable with the ping. The mute that I use is very similar to the papps mute and has no ping.=20 It is a split rubber mute with a spring steel handle.=20 I got to using the split mute when working on an old bird cage piano = that was given to me. Now it is all that I use along with a bass mute = that I tie to the split mute with Spider Wire. The mute from Schaff must be altered a bit to work well. The tip needs = to be cut down to a point of 1/4" and the thickness redused of the tips = need to be just a little thicker than the space between the unison wires = and tapering to 1/8". "And finally, for this round, be sure and go out right away and buy a = Papps Treble Mute. Everybody has one. Almost no one uses them. Many = don't even know how to use them. But they are a pretty blue color and = you don't want to be the only guy in PTG without one, do you??? <G>" Joe Goss RPT Mother Goose Tools imatunr@srvinet.com www.mothergoosetools.com ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Alan=20 To: 'Pianotech'=20 Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2005 5:49 PM Subject: FW: Answer to an Anonymous Lurking Newbie This came to me privately, thought I'd answer out loud tho, as others = might benefit:=20 "...I've been taking the Potter course, and have been lurking on the = piano-tech list for some time now. I will try to keep this short, I = always enjoy reading your post, and would like to ask you something ... = I know basic questions on the list tend to get smart ass remarks from = some! (WHO, US???, Ed) ... I'm trying to get a proficient tool kit set = up for the field, and would like to here what you think would be a must = have on the job!!!! Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks = in advance!!!" =20 Well I'm not sure you've asked the right person! My modus operendi, so = far, has been to blow bucks on every tool that comes down the pike ... = then have quite a collection of stuff I never use! I think ol' Randy = even warned about that in his course, but it didn't stop me. Let's take it in stages: How long have you been involved? Are you "out there" tuning? What is = your plan, e.g., to be a field tuner, do rebuilding, etc? This topic comes up now and again on the list. You're right, though, = if you had asked, someone would likely have said "check the archives." = Have you done that? They are located at = https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/ Type in search words like 'basic tools', 'tools I wouldn't be = without', etc., and see what you can find. Then let's "talk" some more. The first bit I'd suggest, though, is to go slowly in aquiring = tools--not only for the expense but so you don't become a collector, = too. 'Frinstance, I worked for about two years propping upright lids = against the customer's wall with a towel or something to avoid = scratches. Then I bought a lid prop devise from Bill Spurlock and use it = all the time. Another little secret (and the prop is a good example) is = that you can fabricate or adapt a lot of things without paying the big = bucks to buy someone elses. Here's another example. In the Potter-supplied tools, you probably got = a small punch for removing center pins. This works fine. Someday, when = you are rebuilding an action or something, you'll want to get one of the = fancy tools that remove pins on one side and insert them with the other, = etc. Then you'll have that tool and never use the punch again. But for = now ... You need some key cauls for replacing key bushings. But mostly you = just need one or two of the .146" size for field repairs. (Spurlock = sells a little bag of singles in different sizes just for this) But wait = until you have sold a complete rebushing job before buying whole sets of = cauls, or electric irons for removing felt, etc., etc. In other words, let the jobs pay for themselves as much as possible = while you concentrate on making money doing things you know how to do. One other critical point, I think, is to always buy quality tools. = Cheap stuff will let you down. This is especially true in things like = pliers, vise-grips, hammers, etc. And finally, for this round, be sure and go out right away and buy a = Papps Treble Mute. Everybody has one. Almost no one uses them. Many = don't even know how to use them. But they are a pretty blue color and = you don't want to be the only guy in PTG without one, do you??? <G> Alan R. Barnard Salem, MO -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. 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